If you know Knaggs Guitars, you already know these aren’t your typical production instruments. Built by a small Maryland shop with deep roots in high-end craftsmanship, Knaggs guitars consistently punch into (PRS) Private Stock territory at a fraction of the price. This Severn is a perfect example of that.

This 2015 Severn HSS starts as a Tier 3 platform but is elevated with several various higher-tier appointments that noticeably impact both tone and aesthetics, straddling the line between Tier 3 and Tier 2.

What sets this one apart

• Curly maple top in Wicked Burst
  Rich, dimensional figuring with a warm, high-end burst that shifts beautifully in light. Not as common as standard finishes and gives the guitar real visual depth.
• Cocobolo fretboard
  A premium upgrade typically seen on higher-tier builds. Denser and oil-rich, it adds snap, clarity, and a slightly more immediate attack compared to rosewood.
• Lightly flamed *set-in* maple neck + beautifully matched headstock
  Subtle figure that complements the top without being over the top. While many brands charge a premium for painted or matching headstocks, Knaggs takes a different approach here. The natural maple headstock face mirrors the golden tones of the Wicked Burst in a way that looks intentionally matched, giving it a refined, high-end aesthetic without needing paint or stain.
• Anegree pickguard + gold hardware
  Boutique aesthetic touches that separate this from standard Tier 3 builds. The overall look leans more Private Stock than production.
• HSS configuration with Seymour Duncan pickups + coil split
  Extremely versatile setup. You get Strat-style clarity in the neck and middle, a full humbucker in the bridge, and added flexibility via a push-pull tone control that splits the humbucker for convincing single-coil tones when needed.
• Outstanding set-neck feel
  This one stands out as a player. The set-in neck has a comfortable, fast feel that makes it easy to bond with right away—equally at home for chords or lead work.
• Original high-end Knaggs hard case in excellent condition.

Condition

Excellent+ condition overall. Clean, well cared for, and fully functional with no issues. Includes original high-end Knaggs hard case.

To be fully transparent, there are a few very minor cosmetic details:

• A hairline scratch on the back, only visible under angled light. The photo definitely exaggerates what is extremely subtle in person.
• Small, light finish wear on the top corner of the bridge humbucker's gold cover
• A subtle tiny factory 'finish irregularity' on the body near the neck area, very difficult to notice unless you are specifically looking for it

None of these affect playability or structural integrity in any way, and they are minimal for a guitar of this age.

Why this guitar is worth a look

Knaggs sits in a unique space. The custom shop build quality, wood selection, and finishing easily rival instruments that cost significantly more, but yet the brand remains under the radar compared to PRS or Fender. That creates an opportunity for buyers who care more about the instrument than the logo on the headstock.

Again, this particular example benefits from upgraded tonewoods and aesthetic appointments that push it above typical Tier 3 builds. It has the feel and presence of a higher-tier instrument without the inflated pricing.

If you are after a boutique USA-built guitar with standout woods, versatile tones, and a refined feel, this is an easy one to bond with.